SnowcapMicrochera albocoronata

Appearance

Distinguishing Characteristics

The petite Snowcap is the only species in the genus Microchera. Adult males are unmistakably deep purple overall with a white cap and white outer tail feathers. Females are metallic green above, dull white below, with dull white outer tail feathers.

Similar Species

Male Snowcap is a highly distinctive hummingbird, and is unlikely to be confused with any other species. Female Snowcap is less distinctive, but is readily identifiable by its small size, the extensive white in the tail, and the relatively unmarked white underparts; other superficially similar hummingbirds, such as female White-tailed Emerald (Elvira chionura), are white below but with green flanks and green speckling on the throat.

Detailed Description

The following description is based on Wetmore (1968; see also Ridgway 1911), and refers to nominate albocoronata; see also Geographic Variation:

Adult male: Crown white. Nape purplish black, shading to metallic reddish purple on the back and the wing coverts; brighter on rump and uppertail coverts. Central rectrices metallic bronze, remaining rectrices white at base, and with terminal third black. Remiges dull black with a purplish sheen. Side of head and underparts black, glossed with reddish purple. Undertail coverts white.